Typographical machine.



A. W. F. GUEST.

` TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 7, 1014.

Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

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III

A. W. I'. GUEST.

TYPOGRAPHIGAL MACHINE.

APPLIOATION IILED A YB.. 7, 1914.

1,1 16,416. Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

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w ve wko@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALFRED W. F. GUEST, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, .ASSIGNOR TO MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A. CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPOGRAPHICAVL MACHINE.

My invention relates to typographical machines, such for instance as line casting machines wherein circulating matrices are assembled in a llne and presented to a mold,

and then elevated and passed through a distributing mechanism by which they are returned to the magazine channels from which they were originally released.

More particularly, it relates to the dis-y tributing mechanism, such as shown for instance in Letters Patent of the United States No. 436,532, to O. Mergenthaler, wherein the toothed matrices are lifted successively to and susp'ended from a grooved distributor' bar, along which they are carried by the threads of adjacent screws and delivered to their proper channels.

As these machines are commonly constructed, a matrix is lifted into engagement with the feed screws at each rotation of the latter, or in other words, there is a matrix between each turn of the th read and the turn l curs that a falling matrix will be overtaken by the next one beforeit clears the bar.

This results not only in aninterference with f the proper distribution but also in injury to the f matrices.

The object of my invention is to overcomey this trouble by providing between the Inatrices a. space suilicient to permit the free descent of the first one without conflict with a following one. Several mechanisms have been previously devised to effect this result, as for instance that presented in U. S. Letters Patent No. 942,848 to F. B. Converse, wherein is employed a matrix lifting linger and means to hold it momentarily out of engagement with a second matrix, these means being controlled by the thickness of the individual matrices.

ln the use of the Converse mechanism, as

Specication of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 7, 1914.

Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

Serial No. 830,116.

specifically embodied, the ordinary matrices are delivered consecutively between adjacent turns of the screw thread, while thicker matrices are delivered between alternate turns with a space between them, or in other words, the ordinary matrices are located in the first, second, third, etc. spaces, while the thicker matrices would be located in the first, third,l fifth, etc. spaces. This arrangement is entirely satisfactory for general use, but becomes inadequate inconnection with much thicker matrices, such as thoseof the display variety. I therefore propose to employ means for the delivery of such extended matrices with even greater intervals between them, and to that end I have shown my invention as preferably adapted to the Converse mechanism, but with certain added means for holding the lifting finger out of engagement with a second matrix during a plurality of its operations', instead of during a single operation only.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown my invention in preferred form and by way of example, and as applied to the specific kind of devices referred to, but obviously many .changes and variations may be made therein, and in its mode of adapta tion, which will still be comprised within its spirit.' Similarly, it may be applied to other forms of typographical machines, such as typesetters, typecasters, and the like, which handle type or dies, instead of matrices. Generally speaking, I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to any specific form or embodiment, except in so far as such limitations are specified 1n the claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 i is a rear view of a portion of the distributing mechanism, etc., with my improvements embodied therein; Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are somewhat similar views, showing the parts in different positions; Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4f; Fig. 6 is a detail of the first and second elevators in cooperative relation; Fig. 7 is a perspective of the specific matrix employed; and Fig. 8 is a bottom view thereof.

As is usual in machines of this class,the inatricesX are lifted from the casting position by the irst elevator A and thence trans following it on the distributer rail.

- ness of display matrices and the like.

ferred to the second elevator B (see Fig. 6), at Which time the toothed combinations X1 of the matrices are brought into engagement with the grooved bar of the second elevator. The elevator B then rises to the position shown in Fig. l, when the matrices are shifted therefrom into the distributor box C by the transfer device D. They are then elevated by the reciprocating finger E into operative relation to the distributer rail vF and screws G, by which they are restored to their proper channels in the magazine.v

The parts so far described are or may be of the usual or any desired construction, and in themselves constitute no part of my invention, except as hereinafter specified.v

The lifting finger 'E is normally springpressed toward the advancing line so as to engage and elevate the leading matrix there of, the parts being so timed that when the usual or ordinary matrices are employed they will be raised into engagement with the consecutive turns of the screWsG. The finger E is provided with a hook H, so that when the finger is moved laterally by a matrix of more than normal thickness, the hook will engage the fixed element il, thereby holding the finger out of operative position when it is next reciprocated, and thereby establishing an'interval of one thread space between the thick matrix and the. one These parts are substantially the same in construction and mode of operation as the similar ones disclosed in the Converse patent, but the interval thus provided is insuflicient to accommodate the considerably greater thick therefore employ additional means whereby the lifting finger is held out of operative position during a plurality of reciprocations, as distinguished from a single reciprocation as in the mode of operation just described. lin the specific form illustrated, the interval thus secured for the thick display matrix is two thread spaces instead of one, although it will be subsequently obvious that it may be increased to any extent desired. 4

To obtain the continued inoperative position of the finger E, 1 preferably rely upon the .peculiar construction. of the matrix X, which to that end is formed on its bottom side with the transverse notch X2, adapted to engage the upper end of the finger E, as-A the matrix is advanced by the screws G.

The operation of my improved devices will now be obvious. As previously stated, when ordinary matrices areemployed they are delivered to successive thread spaces, and the thicker matrices to alternate thread spaces. However, when the still thicker or display matrix X is presented at the end of a line, it is engaged at its forward lower corner by the linger E, as shown in Fig. l.

minnie The matrix is then lifted into operative relation to the bar F and screws G, and the lateral movement of the matrix tilts the iinger to the left, and when it descends its hook H engages with the element J, as shown in F ig. 2. The vfinger E then rises a second time and its end enters the notch X2 of the matrix, as shown in Fig. 3. The continued lateral movement of the matrix again shifts the finger l?) to the left, and when it descends its hook H engages the element .l Aa second time, as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the finger has been held out of operation during two successive reciprocations. The matrix has by this time practically` cleared the finger E, so that when it rises and descends a third time it is allowed to return to normal position, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4:. In this manner l eii'ect an interval of a plurality of spaces between the matrices, instead of none, or a single one, as has been the oase before. rllhat is to say, a matrix of ordinary thickness permits the regular operation of the lifting devices; a matrix of greater thickness renders it inactive during one operation; and a still thicker matrix renders itv inactive during a plurality of operations. Obviously the same principle may be extended, according to the thickness of the matrix and the necessities of the situation, and very simply by forming additional notches X2 in th matrix, as the thickness increases.

As before stated, 1 have shown my invention only in preferred form and by Way of example, and as applied .to a particular type of mechanism, but obviously many modiications and alterations therein, and in its mode of application, will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, Without departure from its scope.

Having thus described my invention, its construction and mode of operation, what li claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is as follows:

l. 1n a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a matrix lifting finger, and automatic means for holding it out of engagement with a second matrix during a plurality of its operations.

2. lfn a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a matrix lifting nger, and means for holding it out of engagement with a second matrix during avplurality ot its operations, the said means being rendered active by matrices of one thickness, but not by those of another thickness.

3. 1n a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a matrixl lifting finger arranged to yield before the matrix being elevated, means to keep the nger momentarily out of action when it yields beyond a certain point, and means whereby the nia trix will cause the Enger to yield to such point a plurality of times; whereby a plurality of idle strokes of the finger is secured When matrices of a given thickness are elevated.

4. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a distributer feed screw, devices for delivering the individual matrices thereto, and automatic. means for holding said devices out of action until the screw has completed a plurality of rotations, when a matrix of a given thickness is presented thereto.

The combination of distributing mechanism, devices for delivering matrices thereu to, and automatic means to render said devices inactive in their successive operations.

6. In a mechanism of the class described, comprising matrices of different thicknesses, the combination of a matrix lifting finger, and means whereby matrices of a given thickness render said finger momentarily inactive, the said matrices being so formed as to render said finger momentarily .inactive i'or a second time also, for the purpose described.

7. In a'mechanism of the class described, the combination of' a line of matrices, and a device for detaching the leading matrices from the line, the matrices of a given thickness being formed to engage the said device after their detachment from the line and render it momentarily inactive.

8. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a line of matrices, and a lifting finger to detach the leading matrices therefrom, certain matrices being each formed with a notch in their bottom edges to engage the finger after their detachment from the line to render the linger momentarily inactive.

9. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a matrix lifting finger, and means to hold the same momentarily out of action, the said means being controlled by the form of the matrices.

10. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a matrix lifting finger, and means to hold the same momentarily out of action, the said means being con trolled by both the thickness and form of the matrices.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

ALFRED W. F. GUEST.

Witnesses DAVID S. KENNEDY, HAROLD A. BURT. 

